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Why Numbing Cream Matters for Lip Fillers
Lip filler injections can cause discomfort. The lips have many nerve endings, making them more sensitive than other facial areas.
(If you’ve never had filler but you’ve had your upper lip waxed, think about how much more it hurts when they get close to your cupid’s bow!)
Numbing cream helps dull the pain. It creates a more comfortable experience when you get fillers of any type. Because lips are more sensitive, we want the numbing experience even more with lip fillers!
Most lip filler appointments begin with numbing. The cream is applied before the procedure starts, and it’s provided by your injector most of the time. But if you want a specific numbing cream or you need to bring your own for some reason, it’s important to know the best numbing cream for lip fillers!
This simple step can reduce pain and anxiety. It also helps people stay still during treatment, so you get a better result.
Planning your first lip fillers? I’ve written a bunch about it, including a timeline for lip filler bruising and a guide to massaging fresh lip filler to get a smooth result.
First of All, A Safety Note!!
Okay, we don’t want to suffer unnecessarily. And lip fillers really can hurt even when everything has gone perfectly.
But if you’re in serious, intense pain in one spot after lip fillers – it could be a vascular occlusion. And you need to go back to your injector, or to an urgent care, right away.
A vascular occlusion is when the filler is placed into a blood vessel, blocking the flow of blood. It can have serious health consequences, including death of the tissue around the blockage.
So if you’re in a little pain all around your fillers, or your whole lip feels sore, don’t worry. If you’re in intense pain in one spot, or if part of your skin looks white or gray, go back to your doctor immediately. Don’t wait.
A vascular occlusion is easy to fix and doesn’t require dissolving all the filler, just what’s immediately around the blockage. It WILL NOT get better on its own and if you wait too long you can have permanent damage.
But if you’re just feeling a little bit of pain, or if the whole lip area is achy – numbing cream is totally fine.
What to Look For in a Numbing Cream
Not all numbing creams are the same. Some work better or act faster than others.
Here are key features to look for:
1. Strong Active Ingredients
Look for lidocaine or benzocaine. These are common and effective numbing agents.
A higher percentage of lidocaine (like 5%) usually means stronger numbing.
2. Fast-Acting Formula
Good creams take effect in 15 to 30 minutes. If it takes too long, your appointment may run behind.
3. Long-Lasting Relief
Choose a formula that keeps working during the entire treatment. You definitely don’t want the numbness to fade halfway through the session. This is why icing instead of numbing is discouraged!
4. Safe for Facial Use
Make sure the cream is made for use on the face. It should not contain harsh ingredients.
Fragrance-free and gentle formulas are ideal, especially for sensitive skin types.
5. Non-Greasy Texture
Greasy creams can affect how the injector works. Choose one that absorbs well and leaves the skin dry to the touch.
How to Use Numbing Cream Before Lip Fillers
(Also: can you do botox and fillers in the same appointment?)
Your injector may apply the numbing cream. But some people prefer to use a cream at home before heading to the clinic. If your appointment is really tight on time, you can make it faster by numbing before you arrive.
Here are general steps:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser so you’re starting with clean skin. Makeup can prevent absorption.
- Pat your lips and the surrounding skin dry.
- Apply a thin layer of the numbing cream.
- Cover with plastic wrap to lock in the warmth. This helps it absorb better!
- Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Wipe off fully before the appointment starts.
Always follow the product’s instructions or your provider’s directions.
Top Ingredients in Effective Numbing Creams
Some numbing creams contain more than just lidocaine. Here are helpful ingredients to know:
- Lidocaine: The most common numbing agent–it blocks nerve signals.
- Benzocaine: Works similarly to lidocaine, but safe for many people with lidocaine allergies. Often used in over-the-counter products.
- Tetracaine: A powerful anesthetic. Usually found in medical-grade creams.
- Vitamin E: Helps nourish and protect the skin barrier.
- Menthol: Adds a cooling effect, reducing irritation.
Best Numbing Creams for Lip Fillers
Here are top-rated creams that meet all the key needs:
1. Zensa Numbing Cream
- Hemorrhoid Symptom Relief – Temporarily relieves pain, burning, and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and other minor anorectal irritations.
- Active Ingredient: 5% Lidocaine
- Why It’s Great: Dermatologist-approved. Fast acting and long lasting.
- Bonus: Contains vitamin E for skin support.
Zensa is loved by many professionals. It numbs quickly and deeply without irritation, and it’s a great multipurpose cream that’s also used for tattoos, microneedling, and permanent makeup.
2. Ebanel Numb520
- FSA HSA Eligible OTC Medications & Treatments – This topical lidocaine numb cream with Allantoin, clinically proven to temporarily relieve pain, burning, itching, and discomfort, reduces inflammation and soreness in local and anorectal areas
- 5% Lidocaine Cream Maximum Strength – This pain relief anti itch cream provides immediate relief for minor aches, minor burns, and minor skin irritations. It also works for postpartum relief, hemorrhoid shrinking treatment, and anorectal disorders
- Enhanced Liposomal Deep Penetrating Skin Numbing Cream – Best efficacy, fast-acting & long-lasting. It begins numbing in 3-5 minutes, peaks after 20-25 minutes, and lasts 1 hour from its peak. Numbing performance may vary depending on the thickness of the skin area and individual metabolism
- Oil-Free, Odor-Free & Non-Greasy – Hypoallergenic, no harsh chemicals, non-addictive. Apply before, during, and after treatment, may reapply halfway for enhanced effect. Water-based formula for easy application and no-mess removal
- Made in USA in an FDA Registered Facility – Cruelty-Free, cGMP Certified, secured with a child-resistant cap. A performance test before treatment is highly recommended to assess your best performance timing
- Active Ingredient: 5% Lidocaine
- Why It’s Great: Fast onset and oil-free formula.
- Bonus: Infused with aloe vera and vitamin E.
Ebanel is budget-friendly and strong. It’s often used for tattoos, but works well for lip fillers too.
3. LMX 5 Topical Anesthetic Cream
- Active Ingredient: 5% Lidocaine
- Why It’s Great: Available over the counter. Trusted in medical settings.
LMX 5 is another option used in clinics. It’s fast, effective, and safe for facial use.
4. Dr. Numb
- Effective, Real-time Relief- Specially formulated for maximum potency, our 100% hypoallergenic, fast-absorbing numbing cream starts working in as little as 15 minutes and lasts anywhere between two and four hours
- Multipurpose Formulation- Dr. Numb 5% Lidocaine Cream with Vitamin E produces temporary numbness or loss of sensation of the skin and surrounding tissues, helping to reduce discomfort associated with minor skin irritations
- Oil-Free, Non-Greasy- Unlike ointments and oil-based alternatives, our fast-absorbing numbing formulation is 100% cream-based for a silky smooth, velvety feel; You’ll never have to worry about having oily skin ever again
- Recommended By Professionals- For over a decade, our fast-acting, long-lasting numbing cream has been the choice of healthcare professionals and aestheticians from all over the USA & Canada
- Made in Canada- Secured with a Child-Resistant Cap, we value your safety; Our fast-absorbing, hypoallergenic numbing cream is 100% safe for your skin and never tested on animals
- Active Ingredient: 5% Lidocaine
- Why It’s Great: Used by professionals worldwide.
- Bonus: Water-based and non-oily.
Dr. Numb is great for people with sensitive skin. It numbs well without causing reactions, so if you have sensitive skin but are okay with lidocaine, or you’re looking for a first try, this is a great choice.
Best Numbing Cream for Lip Fillers When You Have A Lidocaine Allergy
Lidocaine allergies are uncommon but possible. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, itching, or difficulty breathing. If you’ve ever had a reaction to lidocaine during a dental procedure or injection, it’s important to tell your injector before your appointment.
Some filler brands have lidocaine mixed in, so your injector needs to know you’ve had allergic reactions in the past! Once they understand your needs, your provider can confirm which options are available and suitable for your goals.
Using fillers without lidocaine may cause slightly more discomfort, but with other numbing methods, most patients tolerate it well. There are multiple other numbing ingredients available for people with lidocaine allergies.
Topical Numbing Creams Options for Lidocaine Allergy
For patients who cannot use lidocaine, other topical numbing agents can help. A few options include:
- Benzocaine or tetracaine-based creams: These anesthetics belong to a different chemical class than lidocaine and may be safer for some people with lidocaine allergies. Always perform a patch test before use.
- Compounded numbing creams: A compounding pharmacy can create a custom cream using non-lidocaine anesthetics. Your provider can prescribe the right formula based on your medical history.
Tips for Pain During Lip Fillers
Besides numbing cream, there are other ways to feel more at ease.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water before your appointment. Dehydrated lips can feel more pain.
- Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine can increase sensitivity and anxiety.
- Use Ice Packs: Apply ice before and after for swelling and comfort.
- Ask for a Break: If you feel pain, ask your injector to pause.
- Stay Still: Movement can make the process harder and more painful.
Are There Side Effects From Numbing Cream?
Most people use numbing creams without issues. But mild side effects can happen.
Common side effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tingling or mild burning
- Allergic reactions (rare)
Always do a patch test on your skin before full use. Let your injector know if you have any allergies.
When to Avoid Numbing Cream
Some people should not use numbing creams. Talk to your provider if you:
- Have a lidocaine allergy
- Have broken or infected skin
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (check with your doctor)
Always follow medical advice before applying any numbing product.
What About Built-in Numbing in Lip Fillers?
Many lip fillers already contain lidocaine. This numbs the area from the inside out.
But built-in numbing takes time to work, and some of the pain that goes with lip fillers is immediate. That’s why many injectors still use a topical cream beforehand. The combo of both offers stronger pain relief.
Now, worried about bruising? I have a post about how long lip filler bruising lasts, and how to prevent it.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Numbing Cream
A good numbing cream can make your lip filler experience smooth and stress-free. It reduces pain, anxiety, and swelling.
Choose a trusted cream with the right ingredients. Always follow the instructions. And speak to your injector about your comfort needs.
Lip fillers don’t have to hurt. With the right prep and the right product, you can enjoy the results without the sting.
